Love Next Door

8

The Celebration

The soft hum of excitement filled the hall as Ryujin adjusted her tie in front of the mirror. Her reflection stared back at her, cool and composed, a perfect mirror of the person she'd become—strong, determined, and focused. The black suit hugged her frame perfectly, giving her an air of quiet confidence. Her jet-black hair, which she had left slightly tousled at the ends, added to her effortless charm. The suit had always been her favorite look, one that had earned her the admiration of many, but it wasn't the admiration of the village or her colleagues that lingered in her thoughts this morning.

It was Yeji.

No matter how much she tried to suppress it, Yeji always found a way to creep into her mind. She knew Yeji wouldn't come to the ceremony—at least, she didn't think she would. Yeji wasn't exactly the type to attend village events, let alone one that celebrated Ryujin's startup success. Still, Ryujin couldn't help but wish she'd see her there. She'd never say it out loud, but having Yeji at her side today would mean more than she was willing to admit, even to herself.

After all, no matter how much they bickered, teased, and pretended to be indifferent, they'd always been inseparable. Ryujin shook her head, pulling herself back to the present. She had a ceremony to attend. She couldn't let thoughts of Yeji distract her today.

The hall was already buzzing with chatter when Ryujin arrived. The entire village seemed to have shown up for the event. Her startup, a small yet ambitious company dedicated to community-based projects, had garnered quite a bit of attention. The renovation of the high school football stadium, where she'd once played, had been a personal dream of hers for years. Now, it was about to become a reality, and today was the day to celebrate that victory.

"Ryujin ! Over here !" Mrs. Shin, her mother, called out, waving to her from across the room. Ryujin smiled and made her way over. Her mother stood with Mrs. Hwang, Yeji's mother, the two women chatting animatedly like the best friends they'd always been.

Mrs. Shin, who shared Ryujin's dark hair and sharp features, wore a wide, proud smile. She had always been Ryujin's biggest supporter. Today was no different. "I can't believe how far you've come," she said, hugging Ryujin tightly. "You're making all of us proud."

"Thanks, Mom," Ryujin replied, glancing around the room. "It's just the beginning. A lot more work to do."

Mrs. Hwang chimed in, smiling just as brightly. "Oh, come on, Ryujin. You should enjoy today ! You've earned it."

Ryujin nodded, but as she scanned the room, her heart sank a little. There was no sign of Yeji. She knew she shouldn't expect her to be there, but part of her had hoped.

The ceremony began, and Ryujin found herself surrounded by colleagues, villagers, and friends, all eager to congratulate her. She shook hands, smiled, and listened to words of praise, but a small part of her felt distracted. She kept glancing toward the entrance, hoping against hope that Yeji might appear.

Mrs. Hwang and Mrs. Shin stood nearby, chatting with some of the other villagers about how proud they were of Ryujin. Mrs. Hwang especially couldn't stop singing her praises.

"It's like watching my own daughter succeed," Mrs. Hwang said, beaming at Ryujin.

Ryujin smiled politely, trying to push aside the disappointment gnawing at her. She couldn't dwell on Yeji not being here. She had to focus on the people who were here, celebrating her achievement.

And then, just as Ryujin was about to lose herself in conversation again, the doors to the hall opened. She turned instinctively, and there she was—Yeji.